Auto-amputation of breast due to ductal carcinoma

Abstract

Auto-amputation of a mamma is very rare , and this is assumed to be the first report of in toto amputation. A 58-year-old patient presented at our clinic with an ulcer on her left thoracic wall, as well axillary lymphadenopathy, after experiencing auto-amputation of the mamma four months previously. A biopsy of the ulcer base demonstrated an infiltrating, ductal mamma carcinoma. Special investigations indicated no distant metastases. Chemotherapy was initiated. The process of auto-amputation presumably ensues from necrosis of the skin and supporting tissues of the breast. The importance of regular screening is advised to detect such late presentations.